Haw. Rev. Stat. § 480 § 480-1
Definitions.
Operative Text
As used in this chapter: "Class action" includes the definition as provided in rule 23 of the Hawaii rules of civil procedure. "Commodity" includes, but is not restricted to, goods, merchandise, produce, choses in action, and any other article of commerce. It also includes trade or business in service trades, transportation, insurance, banking, lending, advertising, bonding, and any other business. "Consumer" means a natural person who, primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, purchases, attempts to purchase, or is solicited to purchase goods or services or who commits money, property, or services in a personal investment. "De facto class action" means an action that has not been certified by the court but includes identical considerations as provided in Hawaii rules of civil procedure rule 23 such as common questions of law or fact, claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of nonparties and, as a practical matter, the disposition of the interest of the class or other members not parties to the adjudications would substantially impair or impede their ability to protect their interest. "Person" or "persons" includes individuals, corporations, firms, trusts, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and incorporated or unincorporated associations, existing under or authorized by the laws of this State, or any other state, or any foreign country. "Purchase" or "buy" includes "contract to buy", "lease", "contract to lease", "acquire a license", and "contract to acquire a license". "Purchaser" includes the equivalent terms of "purchase" and "buy". "Sale" or "sell" includes "contract to sell", "lease", "contract to lease", "license", and "contract to license". "Seller" includes the equivalent terms of "sale" and "sell". [L 1961, c 190, §1; Supp, §205A-1; HRS §480-1; am L 1987, c 274, §1; am L 1990, c 63, §1; am L 2005, c 108, §1]
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 480-1 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Chapter 480, Hawaii's consumer protection and unfair trade practices law. It defines key terms such as "consumer," "person," "commodity," "purchase," and "sale" broadly, ensuring the chapter applies to a wide range of individuals, entities, and transactions. Notably, leases and license agreements are expressly included within the definitions of "purchase" and "sale," meaning rental and licensing arrangements fall within the chapter's scope. The section also defines procedural concepts like "class action" and "de facto class action" to clarify how groups of affected parties may bring claims together.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Because § 480-1 defines "purchase" and "sale" to include leases and rental agreements, property owners and managers operating in Hawaii should be aware that their leasing activities can fall within the reach of Chapter 480's consumer protection provisions. A compliant operator generally ensures that their advertising, solicitation practices, and lease terms do not run afoul of the unfair or deceptive acts standards that the rest of Chapter 480 establishes. Understanding that tenants qualify as "consumers" under § 480-1 when they lease primarily for personal or household purposes helps operators appreciate the breadth of potential exposure under this chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 480-1, tenants who rent housing primarily for personal, family, or household purposes are considered "consumers" within the meaning of Hawaii's Chapter 480 consumer protection law, and their lease agreements are treated as covered transactions. This means that unfair or deceptive conduct by a landlord in connection with a rental may be actionable under Chapter 480's broader protections. Tenants who believe they have experienced such conduct can explore options such as filing a complaint with the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection, raising a Chapter 480 violation as a defense or claim in a legal proceeding, or consulting a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available remedies.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 23, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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